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Following a delicious food trail

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DETAILS of the Mid-West Region of Ireland’s first Food Trail have been announced in The Burren.

The Burren Food Trail, a joint initiative of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and the Burren Ecotourism Network, uniquely features a Burren Food Trail signature dish in each of the 22 participants across the region.
As part of the Burren Food Trail, a weekly food event will be held each Monday from now through to the end of October. The Burren Food Experience 2013 features a range of food events throughout the region, including an expert-assisted stargazing and barbecue at the Cliffs of Moher, summer solstice evening party in Ballyvaughan, a vegetarian buffet extravaganza and guided Burren walk in Kinvara and a wine and Burren cheese night with storytelling in Kilshanny.

Commenting on the background to the trail and food experience, Kelly Humphries of the Burren Ecotourism Network said, “The fertile valleys of the Burren have long been known for their quality food produce, particularly for the production of beef and lamb, thanks to a unique and ancient system of farming.

“In recent years, this food tradition has expanded through the emergence of many award-winning chef-led restaurants and high-quality artisan food producers, as well as an increase in practising market gardeners and growers.”

Ms Humphries noted that while the Burren is home to some of Ireland’s best known food product exporters, there has not previously been a platform for which the region’s many quality local food producers and restaurants could be showcased to a wider domestic audience.

“Despite the economic downturn, there remains a clear and growing confidence internationally in the quality, safety and commercial potential of Irish food ingredients and in the companies producing them.

“The members of the Burren Food Trail have each achieved recognised quality awards and standards and are also bound by their commitment to ensure staff are knowledgeable about the regional food story. Menus state the source of local produce, information is provided on local food events and markets and they maximise the use of local ingredients in all prepared food,” Ms Humphries added.

Tina O’Dwyer, sustainable tourism co-ordinator, Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, commented, “Both organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. We are working together to promote The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation and learning.”

The Burren Food Trail will be officially launched at a Gala Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark evening at Hotel Doolin this Saturday evening.

 

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